Brazil has once again become a country free of avian influenza, after complying with the international protocols that stipulate, among other measures, a 28-day period without new cases in commercial poultry farms.
The official announcement of the fulfillment of the sanitary void period was issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa), in a statement sent this Wednesday (18) to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OMSA).
“With the notification, the country self-declares free of highly pathogenic avian influenza (IAAP),” the ministry reported.
The only confirmed case in a commercial establishment occurred at a poultry farm in the Rio Grande do Sul municipality of Montenegro on May 16. The disease confirmation was made on May 22, following the completion of disinfection of the contaminated farm. As stipulated in the protocol, the sanitary void period was initiated there.
According to the ministry, with the end of this deadline without new occurrences, “Brazil has concluded all required sanitary actions, regaining its disease-free status once again.”
Notifications
“One does not celebrate a crisis, but it is necessary to recognize the robustness of our sanitary system, which responded with total transparency and efficiency. We followed all protocols, contained the outbreak, and now advance responsibly toward a gradual resumption of foreign trade, showcasing the strength of the Brazilian sanitary service,” declared Minister Carlos Fávaro in a statement.
With the end of the sanitary void period, the ministry has begun notifying the countries that imposed temporary restrictions on Brazilian exports of poultry products. The expectation is that trade relations will be reestablished as quickly as possible.
Disease
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, primarily affects birds but has also been detected in mammals, including cattle.
Transmission occurs through contact with infected birds and also via contaminated water and materials.
The disease rarely affects humans, and the guidance is for people to stay informed and adopt the recommended preventive measures.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, meats and eggs can be consumed safely, provided they are properly prepared.
Source: Agência Brasil